Laurel has been planting churches in Latin America for the past 20 years in the countries of Argentina, Paraguay, Ecuador and Chile. In the 1990's she and her late husband, Rick established the first Assemblies of God church in the south Andean region of Ecuador. Today there are 6 churches as a result of this effort. The Ellise's have 3 children, Devin, Daniel and David. They have been ministering among the professional class, the largest unreached people group in Chile.